Topic: Nature

Springer Has a New Calf!

Written on July 18, 2017 at 5:53 am, by

Here’s the latest from the Whale Museum… On June 5th, CetaceaLab spotted Springer (A73) with her second calf off of British Columbia’s north central coast. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) later confirmed the new addition. Springer’s first calf, Spirit was born in 2013. This summer marks the 15th year since Springer was  Continue Reading

Know Your Island Walk

Written on July 18, 2017 at 5:47 am, by

Roche Harbor Trails Mike Buettell, volunteer trail builder will lead us on a hike through the extensive trail system next to the Roche Harbor Resort. Mike and his group of volunteers are proud of the trail building and maintenance and you will want to return and explore on your own. When: Saturday July 22, 1:00  Continue Reading

Work Party on Cady Mountain Preserve

Written on July 7, 2017 at 5:40 am, by

Hello Oakies! I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine – looks like summer made it to the Islands after all, and won’t be letting up in the near future. This Sunday’s forecast says full sun, so be sure to bring plenty of water and a hat for our work party. We’ll start at the summit  Continue Reading

A Banner Day for Island Families

Written on June 7, 2017 at 5:23 pm, by

by Theresa Simendinger In collaboration; the SJ Trails Committee, and Island Rec sponsored the great idea from the Land Bank and the National Park Service of a family event, hiking out to Briggs Lake, for the Family Nature Club on June 4th. On a bright spring-like day, youth leader Ava Martin, 11, and friends set  Continue Reading

Nature Conservancy Photo of the Month

Written on June 7, 2017 at 4:37 pm, by

Local photographer extraordinaire Chris Teren is the Nature Conservancy’s Photographer of the Month. Check out Chris’ awesome photo of the Aurora Borealis and read some background on his photography career… “Right after college, I had a rough break up. I was breaking up with the Rocky Mountains. I loved them dearly, and they loved me  Continue Reading

Garden Club Hosted Excursion

Written on May 23, 2017 at 5:40 am, by

Christianson’s Rosy Day out and LaConner The first stop on this excursion is LaConner. A beautiful destination with museums, unique shops and fine food for brunch or lunch. Then on to Christianson’s to hear Rebecca Reed, of David Austin Roses, describe characteristics and qualities of varieties. Her talk will instill confidence and inspire you to  Continue Reading

Let Wildlife Be Wild

Written on May 23, 2017 at 5:38 am, by

Do your part to protect our island wildlife San Juan Island National Historical Park provides habitat for many species of animals. When you visit the park, you are visiting their home. The choices you make have a direct effect on the wild animals that live here. By following the simple steps listed here you can  Continue Reading

Exceptional Water Quality

Written on May 23, 2017 at 5:32 am, by

County shellfish harvesting areas show exceptional water quality An annual evaluation of water quality found that all eight commercial harvesting areas in San Juan County showed exceptional water quality, resulting in no County closures. In contrast, statewide this year, six of the 105 commercial harvesting areas were closed and 16 additional areas were listed as  Continue Reading

High Winds Tuesday

Written on May 22, 2017 at 11:53 pm, by

Brendan Cowan, Director of the Department of Emergency Management shares this weather alert… The National Weather Service is forecasting high westerly winds for later on Tuesday in the eastern parts of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This could mean gusts of up to 50mph in some island locations later on Tuesday afternoon and evening.  Continue Reading

Work Party on Cady Mountain Preserve

Written on May 18, 2017 at 5:44 am, by

Hello Oakies! Thom returns from back East this week and has his eye on invasives removal for this weekend’s work party as well as limbing/piling. There’s the possibility of burning the piles from our previous work parties, but that will depend on the weather. Oddly, a high of 65F is expected! When? Sunday, May 21  Continue Reading

Powder Rule

Written on May 4, 2017 at 9:10 pm, by

According to a Warren Miller ski film we watched several years ago, it is quite possible when in the Tahoe area to find many businesses closed with signs hanging on their doors saying “Powder Rule” when mother nature dumps beautiful, fluffy powder snow at the local ski resort. Well, it wasn’t beautiful fluffy powder here  Continue Reading

Learn How to Make Biochar

Written on May 4, 2017 at 5:45 am, by

Biochar, a charcoal made from woody biomass that stores carbon and improves soil, is an emerging option for forest owners to generate income and remove excess wood from densely stocked forests. Biochar can increase agricultural productivity, improve soil fertility, and help mitigate climate change. This workshop will take you through the steps to turn low-value  Continue Reading

An Opportunity to Help the Orcas

Written on April 28, 2017 at 5:49 am, by

Val and Leslie Veirs share this announcement with you… Dear family and friends, Leslie and I are writing to let you know that Scott is taking a big step to try to improve our long-term efforts to help the whales. For 15 years we have installed and maintained a network of hydrophones and streamed, via  Continue Reading

Introducing the Master Gardener Interns

Written on April 27, 2017 at 5:52 am, by

Congratulations to the 19 community members who competed 60 hours of classroom and online training to become WSU San Juan County Master Gardeners.  As Master Gardener Interns, these volunteers will contribute 50 hours of service in their community, helping to identify plant problems, insects, and diseases, and provide research-based gardening information at Farmers Markets, Information Booths  Continue Reading

Hanging Basket Class

Written on April 27, 2017 at 5:44 am, by

Don’t forget – Reservations are required prior to April 28th – Participants in this class will assemble a 12” hanging container with growing medium, choice starter plants for sun or shade exposure and plenty of free advice. Bring your own gloves, tools, beverage and snack. Though a container and plants are provided you may choose  Continue Reading

A Rosy Day Out

Written on April 26, 2017 at 5:43 am, by

The SJI Garden club is offering another hosted excursion… Christianson’s Rosy Day out and LaConner The first stop on this excursion is LaConner. A beautiful destination with museums, unique shops and fine food for brunch or lunch. Then on to Christianson’s to hear Rebecca Reed, of David Austin Roses, describe characteristics and qualities of varieties.  Continue Reading